New York child sex-abuse victims demand release of ‘secret files’ on pedophile priests
Child sex-abuse victims are now calling on the New York Attorney General’s office to release the Catholic Church’s “secret files” on predatory priests they are holding in contempt. Former New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood launched a sweeping probe in September 2018, in attempt to the rid the clergy of any member involved in sexual abuse acts. Manhattan-based Marsh Law Firm has recently sent a letter to current Attorney General, Letitia James urging her office to release the “secret files.”
Survivors who were subjected to sexual abuse by the clergy are seeking justice and have been for past decades. The files would reveal how the Archdiocese handled complaints, who witnessed the abuse, and whether accused clergy were simply removed or transferred to a different institution. Since the probe launched 11 months ago there has been over 650 complaints of child sex-abuse by the Catholic clergy. Under the new Child Victims Act, claimants — no matter what their age –have one year to sue their alleged abusers starting on August 14. Marsh Law Firm alone represents 515 alleged victims, including 167 accusing the Catholic Church. Another 202 clients accuse prolific pedophile Reginald Archibald — the late pediatrician at Rockefeller University. Numerous law firms are demanding the release of the files under the Freedom of information law. If the Clergy does not properly cooperate many firms are expected to issue subpoenas to force them to give the files up.